It's a highly recommended festival. The people of Osaka are far less reserved than Tokyo people. Osaka in festival mode is a sight to be seen. It's a fun, energy filled festival with Geisha and huge river bonfires. Need we say more?
The Tenjin Matsuri (Tenjin Festival) has been celebrated for more than 1000 years. The highlight of the festival is a procession of 3000 celebrants dressed in imperial-court costumes of the 8th-12th centuries. They parade down the streets of Osaka and then by boat down the Dotombori river.
Mikoshi are also paraded through the streets. All female mikoshi squads take part (mikoshi commonly weight more than 800 kilograms).
The festival also features Shishi-Mai (Lion Dances).
Spectacular bonfires are lit aboard the festive boats in the evening. Such fires were lit in the past by river patrols in the area.
Fireworks and music follow the parades.
Festival foods such as Osaka's famous okonomiyaki are available from street vendors.
The festival closes with fireworks and an Osaka-style hand-clapping performance. The crowd joins in. The Tenjin Matsuri is a great way to see Osaka iki (Osaka lifestyle) in action.
The Tenjin Matsuri is ranked #9 of 100 best festivals in Japan
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